Overview

• Tony Cavallaro, a New York resident, is fighting to regain custody of his 34-year-old pet alligator, Albert, after it was seized by the state's Department of Environmental Conservation.
• The seizure occurred because Cavallaro's license had expired, and he had allowed public interaction with Albert, which is against the regulations for keeping animals classified as dangerous.
• Cavallaro describes Albert as a gentle giant, having raised him since he was two months old, and has spent significant amounts on Albert's care and living conditions.
• An online petition for Albert's return has garnered over 120,000 signatures, and Cavallaro has hired a lawyer to pursue legal action against the Department of Environmental Conservation.
• Cavallaro alleges mistreatment during the seizure operation, comparing it to a narcotics bust, and expresses concern for Albert's well-being in his new environment.